Blackadder star set to appear at book festival’s Autumn Edition

Tickets for Derby Book Festival’s Autumn Edition have gone on sale as it continues its 10th anniversary celebrations.

The Autumn festival takes place from Thursday 13 November to Sunday 16 November with 25 events in venues across the city, including QUAD, Derby Theatre, Derby Museums, Artcore, Derby Market Hall and local libraries.

Highlights of this year’s Autumn Edition include an appearance by Sir Tony Robinson, actor, presenter, historical expert and star of Blackadder and Time Team – and patron of RSPCA Derby – who makes his adult fiction debut with The House of Wolf

Jane Austen fans can look forward to Paula Byrne, whose latest novel, Six Weeks by the Sea, recounts the fascinating story of how Jane Austen fell in love for the first time.

For politics lovers, LBC presenter Iain Dale will be discussing his short biography of Margaret Thatcher and Richard Vinen will discuss Churchill and De Gaulle.

And David Bowie fans will be delighted to hear renowned music journalist Paul Morley discuss Far Above the World, in which he celebrates Bowie’s enduring influence.

There will also be something for history buffs and younger audiences.

Professor Keith McLay, chair of Derby Book Festival and deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “Derby Book Festival continues to draw new audiences to city venues, introducing fresh ideas and perspectives from acclaimed voices and emerging talent in what has been a hugely successful anniversary year.

“The Autumn Edition offers a rich and varied programme; an engaging blend of history, popular culture, politics, lifestyle and appearances by beloved novelists.

“It is particularly pleasing to welcome Sir Tony Robinson to Derby Book Festival who is a long-time supporter of RSPCA Derby – as he debuts his adult fiction book The House of Wolf.

“Once again, the festival is proudly funded by the University of Derby and Arts Council England, together with several local businesses and individuals. We are thankful for their support.”

Following the success of previous appeals, the festival is also organising another Children’s Book Appeal to coincide with the Autumn Edition.

To date the appeals have collected and distributed more than 8,000 books to schools and organisations in Derby.

People are invited to donate gently used, pre-loved books suitable for primary school children.

Drop off venues include the Derby City Lab, Derbion, Derby City Council’s Moorways Sports Centre, Wathalls and QUAD.

Local businesses are also getting involved with collections from staff, including Rolls-Royce.

Festival audiences can also bring their books to events where they will be gratefully received.

The festival programme, designed by local digital marketing company Gravity, is available now from QUAD, other arts venues, all libraries and tourist offices.

For more information and to book tickets visit http://www.derbybookfestival.co.uk.